Busy Bees Bernard Street

52 Bernard Street, St Albans AL3 5QN
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9.5 40 Reviews
  • Busy Bees Bernard Street, St Albans
Busy Bees Bernard Street is a purpose build, single story childcare centre based in St. Albans which provides a wide range of activities and resources to accommodate every child’s individual needs and interests.

The nursery welcomes children from 3 months to five years with 3 colourful rooms to cater for each age group. In each room there are secure garden areas so that the children can enjoy some refreshing outdoor play. There is a free flow environment throughout the nursery so that the children have the option to explore the indoors and outdoors. The enthusiastic team at Bernard Street strive to provide the best care for your child to support your child’s development, with a range of indoor and outdoor activities to help ensure your child’s mind and body stay active throughout the day.

Busy Bees Bernard Street caters for all dietary requirements with their on-site Chef who prepares delicious and nutritious menus using NHS accredited menus for your little one to tuck into throughout the day.

The experienced team are passionate about quality childcare and giving all the children the best start in life. They are provided with access to training opportunities from Busy Bees and the Local Authority, to ensure they can maintain your child with the best quality care.

By using the Parent Zone app, it allows parents to receive regular updates about their child’s day at nursery. This is a wonderful way to stay connected throughout your child’s time at nursery, so that you know all the exciting and fun activities your child took part in. Busy Bees also encourage parents to use their learning and development app, UP, which offers a range of activities that can also be done at home.

Want to learn more about the fantastic facilities and meet the friendly team at Busy Bees nursery Bernard Street? Book a visit today and the team will look forward to welcoming you!

Care Provided by Busy Bees Bernard Street

  • Type of Service
  • Day Nursery – Privately Owned
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Kerri Fennemore (Centre Director)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 20
  • Total Places for Children
  • 63
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:30-18:30
    Tuesday 07:30-18:30
    Wednesday 07:30-18:30
    Thursday 07:30-18:30
    Friday 07:30-18:30
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays & Christmas
  • Parking
  • Parking is available on site for up to 11 cars.


    Parents are welcome to use the car park for drop off and pick up and visitors are welcome to use the car park while on a tour.


Busy Bees Bernard Street Reviews (40)

Total of 40, showing 1-20
9.5

Busy Bees Bernard Street has a Review Score of 9.5 (9.477) out of 10, based on 10 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Busy Bees Bernard Street has 40 reviews.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Busy Bees Bernard Street is a brilliant nursery. Our son moved here from another nursery at 10 months old and from day one they went above and beyond to help him adjust and settle. He has since thrived. He loves nursery and now at almost 2 years old, he will talk about his carers and classmates and
is always excited to see them. All staff are friendly and caring and whenever we have needed to adjust my son's schedule i.e. nap timings, bottle feeds etc. they have been completely amenable, and whenever we've needed some flexibility with extra sessions or picking him up early for appointments there have been zero issues. The nursery really does have a lovely family feel to it and my son has come on massively since joining. We have no concerns at all with Bernard Street and our son is very happy here.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Busy Bees Bernard Street is a wonderful nursery. The staff are friendly and caring, you feel the children are looked after really well and the place has a family feel to it. Our child loves going here.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

In the time we have been at Busy Bees Bernard Street, both my children have flourished.
My daughter joined the nursery at 3 years old and from the start, she has been welcomed and every day I see positive changes in her development.
My son joined the nursery at 11 months and again, the changes we
see in him daily are only positive ones.
Both children have come on leaps and bounds and the care, consideration, compassion and teaching that has been shown to both my children is second to none.
I cannot thank the team enough for everything they have done for both my children and I cannot wait to see how they continue to grow and develop.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been attending the nursery for almost two years now, spending time in the baby, toddler and preschool rooms. In each room, she has formed a close bond with the lovely staff and other children. The staff have taken the time to get to know her, and she regularly comes home sharing happy
stories of her day.
I would love there to be a larger and more varied outside space as the children spend a lot of time in the garden, but the central location is the payoff for us!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Overall, the graduation was a really good event. It was evident that the staff had put every effort into making it a memorable afternoon for both the children and their parents. It was noted that some staff had come in on their day off, rearranged holidays and returned from other nurseries to be part
of the day. The finishing touches including games, class of 2023 signage and keepsakes were all really appreciated and gave a professional feel to the day. If there was any area for future improvements, it would be around communications. The date moved a few times and there was some confusion over timings in the lead-up to the event ( 4-6pm or 5 - 7pm). This might have been overcome with dedicated chums and preschool parents. That said, all in all, a lovely way to end 4 years at the nursery. We thank all the staff that have been involved in major development - particularly those who have been there from day one including 4 staff members in particular.

Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Bernard Street

Hello, thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful review! We’re glad you have given your little one the best start in life with us.
40 years of Busy Bees – 40 years of best beginnings. We’re celebrating our milestone year and we invite you to join us! Visit our Busy Bees website or search for ’40 years Busy Bees’ and find out more and how to take part. We’re grateful for your trust and the opportunity to provide your child with the best start in life. Best wishes, Busy Bees.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child is extremely happy here, and all of his skills are developing so well!

Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Bernard Street

Hello, wow! Thank you for this glowing review! We are delighted your little one is having a good experience at our Bernard Street nursery.
40 years of Busy Bees – 40 years of best beginnings. Celebrate our milestone year with us! Visit our Busy Bees website or search for ’40 years Busy Bees’ and find out more and how to join us. We’re grateful for your trust and the opportunity to provide your child with the best start in life. Best wishes, Busy Bees


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

A warm, welcoming nursery with friendly staff. We've been attending for three years and had a good experience overall. New management has given a new lease of life and fun to the nursery, it has definitely gotten more communicative about our child's learning and play time.

Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Bernard Street

Hello, we love reading feedback like this! Thank you for sharing it with us; we will pass on your lovely comments to the team at Bernard Street.
40 years of Busy Bees – 40 years of best beginnings. Join us as we celebrate our milestone year, visit our Busy Bees website or search for ’40 years Busy Bees’ to find out more and how to participate! We’re grateful for your trust and the opportunity to provide your child with the best start in life. Best wishes, Busy Bees.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Very welcoming staff. If the child is becoming upset they're very comforting. They doo lots of activities. The app is always updated. Plenty of toys.

Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Bernard Street

Hello, thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful review! We’re glad you’re giving your little one the best start in life with us.
40 years of Busy Bees – 40 years of best beginnings. Celebrate our milestone year with us! Visit our Busy Bees website or search for ’40 years Busy Bees’ and find out more and how to join us. We’re grateful for your trust and the opportunity to provide your child with the best start in life. Best wishes, Busy Bees.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter came to the kindergarten when she didn't know English at all and for a year her level of English grew up. Thanks for the attention and care of the teachers, my daughter made friends with other children and she was very comfortable.
Thanks a lot!

Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Bernard Street

Hello, wow! Thank you for this glowing review. We are delighted your little one had a good experience at our Bernard Street nursery.
40 years of Busy Bees – 40 years of best beginnings. Join us as we celebrate our milestone year, visit our Busy Bees website or search for ’40 years Busy Bees’ to find out more and how to participate! We’re grateful for your trust and the opportunity to provide your child with the best start in life. Best wishes, Busy Bees.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been very happy at the nursery. She was quick to adapt to the environment. The staff are very friendly and it’s a very caring environment. I would recommend it to other parents looking for a nurturing environment.

Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Bernard Street

Hello, thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful review! We’re glad you’re giving your little one the best start in life with us.
40 years of Busy Bees – 40 years of best beginnings. Join us as we celebrate our milestone year, visit our Busy Bees website or search for ’40 years Busy Bees’ to find out more and how to participate! We’re grateful for your trust and the opportunity to provide your child with the best start in life. Best wishes, Busy Bees.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Busy Bees at Bernard Street staff have been so wonderful and my daughter has been so happy at this nursery. I love the daily updates on the app and the effort teachers make to include as much information possible on the child’s daily activities and development. I love the happy face I see every morning
I drop my daughter off! I’ve always loved this school and my son has very happy memories of his time here 4 years ago! The office staff is excellent too, always answering any queries I have efficiently and professionally! Very fond of everyone and grateful to them for the great job they do every day.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Would definitely recommend! My daughter is so happy to go to nursery here. The staff are lovely and provide a wonderful service. They are always willing to provide for a child’s individual needs as well.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son joined at the age of 1 and has been attending for the last 6 months. We have been so happy with how caring and loving the staff are towards him. They made the settling in as smooth as can be. Since then, he is ever enthusiastic to go to the nursery and greets the carers with a smile every morning.
He clearly gains a lot from the experience. They have a varied menu and he's always bringing home wonderful art. The assessment/observations are clearly well done and thought through; accurately describing what we see at home.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have been so impressed with Busy Bees Bernard Street. My daughter has been going for almost a year, and she loves it, and the staff are all fantastic. I feel so happy knowing she’s being so well looked after and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Busy bees at Bernard Street has been great for my child’s education. He loves going to nursery, the staff are always very friendly and welcoming, and he always comes home excited to tell us what he has learnt that day!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter loves this nursery! They have been extremely caring towards her whilst she’s settled in, and she can’t wait to go every week! The staff are so friendly and welcoming. I would highly recommend this nursery.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have two children in the nursery and they both love the place and missed it so desperately over lockdown, which is testament to the care that they receive from the staff. The staff create a fun but structured environment and would highly recommend for anyone considering sending their child to nursery
in St Albans. They also offer half days in the middle of the week that many other nurseries don’t offer. All in all the overall care, attention and food they receive is first class and we definitely made the right choice sending our children here. Thank you!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We currently have twin boys at the nursery and they honestly couldn’t be happier. We moved to St Albans from London in April 2019 and it was a great move for the boys. They have developed brilliantly and the care they receive is first class and it’s always a good sign when they want to go to nursery!
The app is great and all of the staff are fantastic, really friendly and fully engaged in the boys' development. In summary, a great nursery and would highly recommend it.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since returning from lockdown - the staff have done a really good job to create a sense of normality to kids who really have no idea of what is happening. Our son has loved returning and always enjoys his day. I was disappointed with the increase in fees this year in particular - over 3% increase seems
excessive.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Would definitely recommend. An excellent nursery - incredibly friendly staff members who have worked tirelessly over the years to look after our two boys, both of whom have loved their time there. Thank you!

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Current Review Score: 9.5 (9.477)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.5 (9.477) out of 10 for Busy Bees Bernard Street is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 10 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.8 out of 5 from 10 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.683 for Busy Bees Bernard Street is calculated as follows: ( (85 Excellents x 5) + (32 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 120 Ratings = 4.683

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 4.794 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Busy Bees Bernard Street is based on 10 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 63 number of registered child places is 12.6. 10 Positive Reviews ÷ 12.6 = 0.794

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

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Meet the Team (1)

Kerri

Kerri Fennemore

Job Title: Centre Director

Hello, my name is Kerri and I am the Centre Director here at St Albans Bernard Street. 


I have worked in childcare for 15 years and have worked for Busy Bees for 8 years now. 


I am passionate about our team providing the best care, knowledge and support to each child in our care.
 
I enjoy supporting children, parents and staff to care, support and help their children grow and learn each day, providing new and exciting opportunities for each child based on their individual interests. 


I look forward to welcoming you and your family here at Bernard Street. 


Frequently Asked Questions about Busy Bees Bernard Street

What is the Age Range of Children that Busy Bees Bernard Street accepts?

Busy Bees Bernard Street accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Busy Bees Bernard Street Open?

Busy Bees Bernard Street is open: Monday 07:30-18:30, Tuesday 07:30-18:30, Wednesday 07:30-18:30, Thursday 07:30-18:30, Friday 07:30-18:30.

How many Children does Busy Bees Bernard Street have capacity for?

Busy Bees Bernard Street has capacity for a total of 63 Children.

How far is Busy Bees Bernard Street to the centre of St Albans?

0.3 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.